If you’re a Onewheel rider looking to master smooth, efficient curb climbs, learning the curb nudge is an essential skill. This maneuver allows you to overcome obstacles without having to dismount your board, saving time and maintaining momentum. Plus, it serves as a foundational move that can lead to more advanced tricks down the road.
Get Comfortable with Your Board
Before attempting any curb maneuvers, ensure you’re confident with your basic riding skills. Spend time practicing turns, stops, and overall board control on flat ground. A helpful exercise is to simulate the nudge movement off your board: stand on it and practice pushing your front foot forward, then snapping it back. This drill builds the muscle memory needed for a smooth, controlled motion.
Approach the Curb with Momentum
When you’re ready to try the maneuver on an actual curb, approach it with a solid amount of speed. As you near the curb, slow down slightly and shift your weight backward. This adjustment ensures that your board’s momentum lets the tire make proper contact with the curb first, creating a smoother transition as you climb over the obstacle.
The Shove: Timing and Technique
The heart of the curb nudge lies in timing and technique. Follow these steps to nail it:
- Shove Forward: As your tire approaches the curb—ideally about an inch away—push your front foot forward sharply. Avoid pushing downward; instead, focus on a strong, forward nudge.
- Snap the Nose Up: Immediately after the shove, snap the board’s nose upward in a swift, seesaw-like motion. This action helps realign your board back onto the curb while preserving momentum.
- Shift Your Hips: After the shove, shift your hips forward to add extra lift and ensure a smooth climb over the curb.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any new skill, mastering the curb nudge takes time and repetition. Ride around and target different curves and obstacles to get used to varying heights and angles. Over time, you’ll learn to adjust the force and timing of your shove to match each unique situation.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Falling Off the Front
If you find yourself falling off the front of the board after reaching the curb, it may be due to approaching too fast or leaning too far forward. Slow down as you approach the curb and shift more of your weight to your back foot to keep your center of gravity over the tire for better balance.
Stalling on the Curb
Stalling happens when the board loses momentum on the curb. This issue often arises from insufficient speed or shoving too late. Generate enough momentum before reaching the curb and time your shove so that your tire is just an inch away. This timing ensures that the board’s momentum carries you over smoothly.
Scraping or Bouncing Off
If your board scrapes against the curb or bounces backward, it indicates improper timing or an overly aggressive shove. Adjust by shoving a little later if you’re bouncing off, and focus on a smooth, controlled forward motion. Avoid excessive bending, as over-bending can limit your board’s ability to complete the climb effectively.
Mastering the curb nudge on your Onewheel is all about practice, timing, and understanding your board’s momentum. By following these steps and being mindful of common mistakes, you can transform a challenging maneuver into a natural part of your riding repertoire. Every rider improves with practice, so be patient with yourself. Keep riding, keep practicing, and soon you’ll be gliding over curbs with ease. Enjoy the ride!